Mariusz Ptak

The influence of frontal protection system design on pedestrian passive safety

Car-to-pedestrian front impacts have been well described in the papers. However, there is still insufficient data measuring the performance of new type of Frontal Protection Systems (FPS) fitted on Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs). Therefore, the aim of the studies was to validate the method of the FPS design, complying with the European Commission Regulations. The complete numerical model of the vehicle front with FPS was created and then subjected to a precise pedestrian impactor subtest. The physical experiment results proved good conformity with the outcomes from numerical simulations. Hence, the design of the presented FPS design was a base for legal process such as European Union homologation.

Numerical Technologies for Vulnerable Road User Safety Enhancement

The progress in pedestrian and cyclist safety enhancement is the result of multi-stage work, which bases mainly on the appropriate traffic organization and road engineering. However, the full separation of vehicle traffic and pedestrians/cyclists seems to be unmanageable nowadays. Thus, the paper presents a dual approach for vulnerable road user safety enhancement by the use of state-of-the-art numerical technologies. Firstly, the detection technologies are presented which observe the vehicles environment in order to detect, track and classify the surrounding objects, providing data for active safety systems and as well as vehicle’s driver. Their system architectures also create communication interface between a human and automobile via the accident-avoidance technology and pre-crash sensing. Secondly, when the collision is unavoidable, the passive safety structures and systems are in operation aimed at pedestrian/cyclist injuries mitigation. Hence, the authors carried out passive safety virtual simulations to evaluate the response of the human body after a vehicle impact.

Proactive Failure Prevention by Human-Machine Interface in Remote-Controlled Demolition Robots

The objective of the paper is to design an advanced Humane Machine Interface implemented in remote-controlled robot for demolition works. The paper includes the use of Design Thinking methodology in the conceptual design process for determined user-machine problems. The experimental testing with high-speed camera and vibrometer were performed to obtain the input data for numerical analysis. Then the finite element method simulations were carried out to provide the assumptions for HMI solution. Finally, a novel arm-mounted HMI status/caution/warning lighting was designed and executed in the robot controller. The system notifies the operator about the load capacity and warns the operator about leading the arm in resonant frequency, which is a main cause of the reported robot’s arm fatigue failure.

Design Process Innovation of Mechanical Objects with the Use of Design for Six Sigma Methodology

According to the strategy of Total Quality Management (TQM) [7] effective quality assurance of mechanical objects is maintained by means of permanent monitoring processes carried out in the cycle of product formation. The quality assessment of processes and the optimization of their crucial elements are the necessary condition for the improvement of efficiency and achievement of high level of customer satisfaction [15]. So far most of the techniques used for the process improvement are adopted to Lean Six Sigma methodology [1, 2, 11, 12, 17]. Achieving the quality on the level of 6 sigma is a primary goal of applying this methodology. Opinions exist that Lean Six Sigma should be implemented in the large number of areas of the life, and its effects (essential improvement in financial results through the reduction of poor quality costs) are hard to overrate. High effectiveness of every single process that is possible to achieve by applying the Lean Six Sigma strategy, became a source of inspiration for the study of Design For Six Sigma (DFSS) [4, 8, 12, 13], with purpose to improve object quality by implementing the innovation in product development.

Design and Numerical Analysis of a Roof-Mounted Bicycle Carrier

The purpose of this paper is to present the design process and subsequent numerical analysis calculations of a new roof-mounted bicycle carrier for vehicles. The bicycle carrier is mounted on the vehicles longitudinal bars. The designed construction is subjected to both static and dynamic load sets to check if it meets the requirements of ISO 11154 norm – which specifies the minimum safety requests for roof load carrier intended for mounting on the roof of passengers cars and light commercial vehicles with a maximum authorized total mass up to 3,5t. To fulfil the specifications associated to safety, standards and traffic laws test four different software packages were used: CATIA V5 and NACA airfoil generator for designing, Cambridge Engineering Selector for choosing the most suitable materials and Abaqus CAE for Finite Element Analysis.

Computer Simulations for Head Injuries Verification After Impact

The paper describes an experimental and numerical approach to head injury verification occurring in transportation accidents. Current trends in pedestrian, cyclist and motorcyclist safety are presented and some state-of-the-art techniques are included to mitigate injuries, which occur when an external force traumatically damages the brain. Finally, a finite element analysis was conducted to assess the safety performance of a commercial motorcycle helmet.

Conceptual Design of Means of Transport Harnessing Human Power

The article presents the conceptual design process on the example of the means of transport that use human muscle power. The article shows the sources of inspiration for designers and the results of the design process on the example of an interdisciplinary project “Creative Design”. The aim of the project was to generate the design concepts by developing the creativity skills. The studies described in the paper resulted in the design of the innovation mean of transport using human muscle power.

Development and validation of a new finite element human head model: Yet another head model (YEAHM)

Purpose Currently, there are some finite element head models developed by research groups all around the world. Nevertheless, the majority are not geometrically accurate. One of the problems is the brain geometry, which usually resembles a sphere. This may raise problems when reconstructing any event that involves brain kinematics, such as accidents, affecting the correct evaluation of resulting injuries. Thus, the purpose of this study is to develop a new finite element head model more accurate than the existing ones. Design/methodology/approach In this work, a new and geometrically detailed finite element brain model is proposed. Special attention was given to sulci and gyri modelling, making this model more geometrically accurate than currently available ones. In addition, these brain features are important to predict specific injuries such as brain contusions, which usually involve the crowns of gyri. Findings The model was validated against experimental data from impact tests on cadavers, comparing the intracranial pressure at frontal, parietal, occipital and posterior fossa regions. Originality/value As this model is validated, it can be now used in accident reconstruction and injury evaluation and even as a design tool for protective head gear.

Analysis of the Use of Biogas as Fuel for Internal Combustion Engines

The article presents the opportunity to power internal combustion engine by treated and non-purified biogas. Internal combustion engines may be operated only within a certain range of parameters of fuel due to the design and method of operation. Furthermore, they are sensitive to changes in chemical composition of the fuel. The aim of the work described in the studies was to test the quality of biogas that can be obtained by methane fermentation of the test material. Considering the treatment of biogas as a consumable in vehicles, its physicochemical properties can be very diverse. It is reasonable therefore to analysis biogas composition of samples from various biogas plants, in the context of the possibility of its use in a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine. The article presents an analysis of the chemical composition of untreated biogas collected from five representative biogas plants. Then it summarizes the data received with the requirements of the standards referred to European countries and set out the possibility of direct use of untreated and untreated biogas during the operation of vehicles with combustion engines.

Numerical Simulations of Composite Frontal Protection System According to EC 78/2009

According to Regulation (EC) 78/2009 currently in force in the European Union the frontal protection system (FPS) is a separate structure, which is intended to protect the external surface of the vehicle, from damage in the event of a collision. The use of FPS was the subject of many discussions. This was mainly due to the increasing popularity of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) with non-compliant bull bars fitted by owners. It should be noted that, in most cases, installing an FPS on a SUV is simply a matter of car tuning. The purpose of such modifications is to make the vehicle appear more aggressive and stand out against similar cars. The problem came when frontal protection systems became merely a fashionable decoration of sport utility vehicles in place of their original function. Unfortunately, due to their growing popularity, SUVs are increasingly involved in accidents involving pedestrians. Over the years, vehicles equipped with bull bars have been causing an increasing number of pedestrian deaths and therefore specific requirements were introduced for this component. The paper presents numerical comparison of FPS made of steel and fiberglass according to the current regulations. A notable difference in legform acceleration was noted, which indicates a good potential in fiberglass usage as a base material for FPS.